Ezekiel 23:27

So I will put an end to your indecency and prostitution, which began in the land of Egypt, and you will not lift your eyes to them or remember Egypt anymore.'

Study Bible

So I will put an end to your indecency and prostitution
This phrase indicates God's judgment and intention to cease the immoral practices of Israel, often symbolized as spiritual adultery. In biblical context, "indecency and prostitution" refer to idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. The imagery of prostitution is used throughout the Old Testament to describe Israel's unfaithfulness (e.g., Hosea 1-3). God's action to "put an end" signifies His desire for holiness and purity among His people, aligning with His covenantal promises.

which began in the land of Egypt
The reference to Egypt highlights the historical context of Israel's idolatry. Egypt is often symbolic of bondage and sin in the Bible. The Israelites' exposure to Egyptian gods and practices during their captivity (Exodus 12:12) laid the foundation for their recurring idolatry. This phrase underscores the long-standing nature of Israel's spiritual infidelity, tracing back to their time in Egypt, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature (e.g., Ezekiel 20:7-8).

and you will not lift your eyes to them
"Lifting the eyes" is a biblical expression for longing or desire (Genesis 13:10). Here, it implies a cessation of Israel's desire for foreign gods and practices. This transformation is part of God's redemptive plan, where He promises to renew the hearts of His people (Ezekiel 36:26). The phrase suggests a future where Israel's focus will be solely on Yahweh, free from the allure of idolatry.

or remember Egypt anymore.
Forgetting Egypt symbolizes a complete break from past sins and influences. In biblical narrative, remembering often involves a conscious return to past actions or allegiances (Deuteronomy 5:15). This promise of not remembering Egypt signifies a new beginning for Israel, where their identity and worship are fully aligned with God's will. It echoes the prophetic hope of restoration and renewal found in passages like Isaiah 43:18-19, where God calls His people to forget the former things and embrace the new work He is doing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Oholah and Oholibah
Symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel, respectively. They are depicted as sisters engaged in spiritual adultery.

3. Egypt
A place of Israel's past bondage and idolatry. It symbolizes the sinful practices and alliances that Israel longed for and engaged in.

4. God's Judgment
The event where God declares His intention to end Israel's idolatrous practices and reliance on foreign nations, particularly Egypt.

5. Israel's Idolatry
The repeated turning away from God to worship idols and form alliances with pagan nations, which is likened to prostitution.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Jealousy
God demands exclusive worship and is jealous for His people's devotion. Idolatry is a serious offense against His holiness.

The Consequences of Sin
Persistent sin leads to judgment. God will not tolerate ongoing unfaithfulness and will act to purify His people.

Breaking Free from the Past
Just as God promised to end Israel's longing for Egypt, believers are called to leave behind their past sins and not return to them.

The Call to Repentance
God’s judgment is also an invitation to repentance. Turning away from sin and towards God brings restoration and healing.

The Danger of Spiritual Adultery
Engaging in practices or forming alliances that compromise faithfulness to God is akin to spiritual adultery and must be avoided.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of prostitution in Ezekiel 23:27 help us understand the seriousness of idolatry in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we identify and break free from "Egypt" in our personal spiritual journey?

3. How does understanding God's jealousy for our worship impact our daily walk with Him?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that can lead us away from exclusive devotion to God, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 23:27 encourage us to seek God's forgiveness and restoration today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, highlighting God's desire for exclusive worship and the consequences of spiritual adultery.

Jeremiah 3:6-10
A similar metaphor of Israel's unfaithfulness, where God calls Israel to repentance from idolatry.

Hosea 2:13
Another prophetic book where God addresses Israel's unfaithfulness and promises to remove the allure of idolatry.